Genesis 31:20 Meaning and Explanation
“And Jacob stole away unawares to Laban the Syrian, in that he told him not that he fled.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jacob departs without informing Laban, taking his family and possessions in secret.
The Context of Genesis 31:20
Jacob secretly flees Laban's household without announcing his departure.
What Does Genesis 31:20 Mean?
Jacob leaves Laban's household without warning or farewell. The verb 'stole away' conveys the secrecy and haste of the departure—Jacob departs as a fugitive, not as a servant taking respectful leave. The stealth is necessary: Laban would certainly prevent the journey if given opportunity.
Laban's characterization as 'the Syrian' marks him as a foreigner to the patriarchal line. Jacob's departure is thus not merely a family dispute but a separation from a foreign people and a return to his own kin and covenant people.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 31:20
What does Genesis 31:20 mean?
Jacob departs without informing Laban, taking his family and possessions in secret.
What is the context of Genesis 31:20?
Jacob secretly flees Laban's household without announcing his departure.